Associate Principal

Process Engineer – Clayco Design and Engineering Clayco Design and Engineering is looking for an experienced process engineer with extensive knowledge of petfood and meat production. The ideal candidate has 8 to 15+ years’ experience and is looking to be the lead process engineering resource in our Birmingham office. The process engineer will scope out projects, establish a design basis, create process flow diagrams (PFD’s), generate material balances, create piping and instrumentation diagrams, specify process mechanical equipment, support specifying instrumentation and assist other discipline leads in successful implementation of the process design. They will interpret plant data, design often (with assumptions stated) on limited information and utilize strong engineering judgement to ensure the process is safe and meets the needs of the clients’ business. This person will use and develop internal tools, use process engineering software such as AFT Fathom, AFT Arrow, or HTRI to complete required scopes of work. They will have familiarity with engineering practices, vendor requirements, and discipline engineering needs across multiple process industries. An entrepreneurial mindset will help the process engineer to succeed at Clayco. Someone who has passed the PE exam is preferred. Operations, process start‑up, or construction experience is also preferred. Responsibilities Lead process engineering design efforts for pet food, meat processing, and industrial manufacturing projects Develop project scopes and establish process design basis documentation Create and review Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), material balances, and Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) Specify process mechanical equipment and support instrumentation design activities Collaborate with discipline leads to ensure successful implementation of process designs across all project phases Interpret plant operating data and develop process solutions, often utilizing engineering assumptions and judgment in early project stages Ensure process systems are designed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with client operational requirements Utilize and enhance internal engineering tools and standards to support execution efficiency Perform process calculations and simulations using software such as AFT Fathom, AFT Arrow, HTRI, and similar process engineering tools Coordinate with vendors, clients, and internal teams to support equipment selection, process integration, and project execution Support construction, commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting activities as needed Mentor junior engineering staff and contribute to the development of engineering best practices Qualifications Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited university or college 8–15+ years of experience in process engineering within industrial manufacturing environments Successfully passed the Professional Engineer (PE) exam Strong understanding of process engineering principles, industrial systems, and process safety Experience developing PFDs, P&IDs, process calculations, and equipment specifications Familiarity with lean manufacturing or lean process methodologies Experience with field construction support, commissioning, and process startup activities preferred Strong engineering judgment and ability to design effectively with incomplete or evolving information Excellent communication, leadership, and collaboration skills Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, design‑build environment. Benefits Discretionary Annual Bonus: Subject to company and individual performance Comprehensive Benefits Package Including: Medical, dental and vision plans, 401k, generous PTO and paid company holidays, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development programs and more! Compensation The salary range for this position considers a wide range of factors in making compensation decisions including but not limited to: education, qualifications, skills, training, experience, certifications, internal equity, and location. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. #J-18808-Ljbffr Gilder Search Group